Police chief told to remove coyotes from Tybee Island

The Tybee coyote strolls across a parking lot in this picture from last summer.

Tybee Island’s elusive coyote, nicknamed “Wile E” by residents, appears to have overstayed his welcome. That goes for his friends, too.

City Council members have become increasingly concerned about the presence of coyotes on the island after some residents reported some alarming encounters.

The City Council during a workshop on Thursday instructed Police Chief Bob Bryson to do his best to remove the coyotes, which started appearing on the island last year.

To help him out, they approved the purchase of a $1,000 tranquilizer gun and a trap.

Councilman Bill Garbett said that he knew of one resident whose dog was attacked. In another case, a woman was “accosted,” Garbett said, adding that the coyotes on the island are not afraid of people.

“It’s got the potential to become a major problem,” he said.

Bryson voiced caution in pursuing the wild animals, stating there had to be a balance between treating the coyotes humanely and responding to the public’s concerns.

Liability issues also have to be considered. There is always a risk of missing the target when shooting is involved, Bryson said.

There have been mixed reports about the danger the coyotes pose. Bryson said that some residents have said the coyotes run away when spotted, and others reported threatening behavior.

Not everyone is eager to see them go. There is even a Facebook page, “Save the Wild Coyotes of Tybee Island.”

Calling the coyotes a “nuisance,” Mayor Jason Buelterman remained committed to their removal.

“Get rid of them,” Buelterman said. “If people get mad, so be it.”

Bryson said that the police department already has a tranquilizer gun, but it does not have a far enough range. The trap the city has is inadequate, too. The coyotes have been able to reach in and grab the bait without getting caught, Bryson said.

The coyotes’ appearances first started being reported on the island last spring.

City Manager Diane Schleicher said the food left out for feral cats and raccoons by residents is one thing luring them to the island. By stopping the practice, their food source would decrease, Schleicher said.